A template-free mordenite with an average size of 65 nm was
synthesized from a synthesis solution by dissolving 7.98 g sodium
hydroxide pellets (A.R.) and 12.485 g aluminum nitrate (Aldrich) in
69.5 g deionized water in a beaker. The mixtures in the beaker
were thoroughly mixed and a 50 g Ludox AS30 colloidal silica
(Aldrich) was slowly added to the above solution under stirring
at high speed. The molar composition of the resulting synthesis
gel was 12Na2O:100SiO2:2Al2O3:500H2O. Prior to being transferred
to a Teflon-lined stainless steel autoclave, the above synthesis
solution was aged for 20 h at room temperature and then hydrothermally
treated for 5 days in an oven at a temperature of
180 C. After the hydrothermal treatment, the products were
recovered, thoroughly washed with deionized water, and then
dried at 120 C.